Hey all,

im finally geting to the stage where i can start it my engine for the first time (Honda B16a2).

The engine hasnt been started for about 16-17monthes and i was abit worried that if i go ahead and start it straight away something might get damaged internally pistons/rings etc, beacause it hasnt had oil in it for a while now.

should i crank it over by hand a few times with new oil ? or is there some other oil thats used to clean the engine out a bit

Any tips on starting for the first time would be great????

The last thing i want to do after all this time is screw the engine up

Steve

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Vtec Mini clubman. Commenced Jan 06.
Still Going June 07

http://s25.photobucket.com/albums/c71/sunburstvl/

well maybe josh can help you with this, and if the engine screw up you wont be the first

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Hi Steve,

Once all the plumbing has been connected up (oil and water etc), and your ready to crank, pull out the HT lead from the dizzy.

Do you have an oil pressure gauge fitted, if not get one as it will help. Crank over the engine for about 2-3 seconds - this will allow the oil pump to pump oil around the engine while not worrying about the engine running.

Watch the pressure gauge, the needle should be up to minimum operating pressure after about 3 seconds of cranking. Once the gauge reads correct, check oil levels, as now you have probably filled the oil filter, lines, cooler or whatever you have fitted. Top up if necessary. Also, and this is very important, check for any leaks (a mate of mine filled his 350 chev up only to realize that the sump plug wasnt in - 5 litres of oil all over the floor!)

Now your ready to start the engine - connect back in the HT lead, and start the engine. The metal parts have now been pre-lubed succesfully and no damage should occur.

Run car for about 1000kms with standard manufacturers recommended weight of mineral oil, then drain, replace filter, and run of equivalent weight of fully synthetic, or synthetic blend (gives better protection and lubricity, and wont break down as readily under severe conditions) - Motul or Mobil 1 would be my choice here.

During this period check oil colour and level every 200 kms or every couple of days, constantly check for leaks as seals dry out, get damaged or arent seated properly. If the oil is looking too dark, then replace it and run new oil - this could be a sign of something amiss. Also, check exhaust emissions for badly worn oil rings or valve guide seals.

I hope this helps.

Cheers,
Tricky

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"Not Speeding Officer..........Qualifying"

on an A series, I always put a couple of oil-container capfuls of oil down the spark plug holes to lubricate the top rings, as the bores can dry out when left for a long time - I'll be doing that with my D16 when I start it up.

the oil burns out after a few minutes running, so it'll smoke

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did I tell you that I won a trophy?

I've been told by multiple people that your main problem is the crank bearings which after having oil sit in them for the long length of time on the dock in japan, the trip over, waiting for you to buy, waiting for you to put in etc, the oil eats/deteriorates the bearing shells and you can have problems...i did

It's pot luck though...

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Starlet Conversion:
http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=15484

Thanks guys for the info, i hope all things go ok, will post a vid once shes going

Steve

_________________
Vtec Mini clubman. Commenced Jan 06.
Still Going June 07

http://s25.photobucket.com/albums/c71/sunburstvl/

The main problem that happens with starting an engine long-unused, is the internal corrosion that may be there if it has not been perfectly dry. If it has been totally dry, there is not much problem. Advice above is good, turn over without starting for a bit, plus a little oil down the plug holes, and also start soon after filling with oil, while some of the filling oil remains around the valve gear.

My Mini Cooper S was started after 25 years of dry storage. It has never been apart, and runs just like it did all those years ago. A fair bit of crud came out of the exhaust, mostly rust flakes from muffler etc, but otherwise no drama.

Of course high revs are out of the question until it is thoroughly hot.